How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap at home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from inside to the outside, without needing to allow them in or out. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house itself.
Set up the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will help you to work. Also, you should take out any furniture or decorations that might get in the way of your work.
When you are preparing the space, you will need to determine the exact location and measurement you plan on installing the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making an error that could damage your door or wall. You will want to put the cat flap in a location that is accessible to your pets, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The cat flap can be set on the doorway leading to a closed space like your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. Also, make sure that the flap for your cat is not too low to be used by the small cat, since taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a flap that is higher.
It might be a wise option to employ an experienced handyman when you have sliding doors or window with a sash that is old-fashioned. It can be difficult to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structural strength.
To mark out the area to place the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or a tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to accurately cut out the opening for the cat flap. Use a spirit level after you've marked the line to make sure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions included in your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line you've drawn and is centered on the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allow pets to enter and leave the home. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the right one for you and your pets.
It's important that you take measurements of your windows or doors prior to purchasing the new cat flap. This way you can ensure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to measure the width of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at an area where your cats feel comfortable. If it's too low, they might have difficulty getting through, and if it's too high, they might not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will give the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. If your cat flap kit didn't include a spirit-level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used instead.
repairmywindowsanddoors to have a professional glazier put in the cat flap in a UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these types of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and possibly result in it breaking in the future which could pose a security risk for your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap in brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap for them It's time to mark where the hole needs to go. Make use of your spirit level to ensure it is flush with the door, then mark the centre point. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut.
If the cat flap is set too low, your cat will have difficulty getting into and out. Likewise, when you set it too high, your cat may not be able to see what's going on outside. It is recommended to get it close to the height of your cat's belly as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
You also want to be cautious not to place a cat flap in too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with masonry.
Next you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is nearby to encourage them). Once they've done it then you can begin letting them in and out as you would like.
You should not push your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly because this can cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap, and squeak of the door closing may cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They will be even more scared if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to look for intruders so having the door open at this time could pose a risk since it could lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they know. This is why it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the flap is in place, it is important to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time but with patience and a few treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get grasp of it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want extra security, particularly in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to do is decide where you want to place the cat flap on your door. It must be located in a place that opens onto an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they go in and out of the house, and also to keep other animals from entering your home.
Another thing to consider is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to pass through. You can also put steps on either side of the entrance to assist your cat get through.
Once you've chosen the location you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will provide you with an idea of the best place to cut. Then, you'll need to cut a square on the door with an jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask while doing this, as breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square has been cut, sand the edges of the door. This will create a smooth edge.
Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap on your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill them into the hole. Then, carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it fits snugly.